Cairns Indigenous Art Fair has announced the commissioning of Meanjin/Brisbane-based multidisciplinary artist Sam Harrison to create major, large-scale work which will premiere at the annual event this July.

The Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri man was selected for the commission through a panel process involving representatives from Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) and Blaklash, with submissions assessed against set criteria.

The inaugural Resonance Major Commissioning Project is a collaborative initiative delivered in partnership between CIAF and Blaklash, presented by Cairns Art Gallery and supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

CIAF artistic director, Teho Ropeyarn, said the Resonance initiative represents a strategic expansion of the organisation's role as a cultural infrastructure body, placing First Nations creativity at the centre of public space.

"Resonance is designed to celebrate First Nations creativity on the grand scale it deserves," he said.

"We are proud to work with Blaklash to support an artist of Sam Harrison's calibre in creating an installation that will engage audiences, open pathways beyond the fair, and resonate as a lasting cultural landmark extending beyond CIAF 2026."

Harrison has begun developing a major body of work for the commission, to be presented as part of his exhibition, Kin'o'centrism.

Aligned with CIAF's 2026 theme, Reclamation & Regeneration, the work explores remembrance, restoration, and the transformative power of art to reclaim and reimagine cultural narratives. It includes the Eclipse Series, a suite of lightbox works examining cyclical time and renewal.

The large-scale work draws on Harrison's distinctive visual language and interdisciplinary practice, grounded in cultural continuity, and shaped by an ongoing exploration of identity, place and shared futures.

Harrison said he was grateful to be selected for the inaugural Resonance commission.

"To be awarded this opportunity through CIAF and Blaklash is a huge honour," he said.

"Resonance feels like an invitation to think deeply about identity, belonging, and the stories we carry forward. I'm honoured and excited to develop a work that speaks to place, regeneration and cultural memory on a major public scale."

Harrison is represented by Onespace, and his interdisciplinary practice spans drawing, installation, curation and public art. In 2025, he presented solo exhibitions in Brisbane and was recognised at the Sunshine Coast Art Prize for his charcoal work Born Here, From There.

Onespace director, John Stafford, said the Resonance commission demonstrates the importance of sustained investment in ambitious First Nations public art.

"Projects like Resonance show what's possible when artists are properly resourced and trusted to lead at scale," he said.

"This commission reinforces the role of public institutions and cultural partners in creating space for First Nations voices to shape the built and cultural environment."

Queensland Minister for the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek, said CIAF's partnership with Blaklash will culminate in a major new work that will be a drawcard for locals and visitors.

"I congratulate Sam Harrison on his success in securing this prestigious commission, which will be a key feature of the CIAF 2026 program," he said.

"CIAF provides a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in Queensland to showcase their work to collectors, curators and audiences from around the world.

"We're proud to support CIAF in maximising economic, cultural, and social opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives, which is a priority of our 10-year strategy for arts and culture, Queensland's Time To Shine."

Blaklash managing director, Troy Casey, said the project strongly aligns with the agency's commitment to First Nations-led placemaking and public art outcomes.

"We look forward to collaborating with CIAF and Sam to deliver a project that not only celebrates culture but also provides mentorship, skill development and long-term career opportunities," he said.

Blaklash, founded and directed by Amanda Hayman and Troy Casey, specialises in First Nations placemaking, public art, and community engagement across Australia.

The CIAF Resonance Major Commissioning Project featuring Sam Harrison: Kin'o'centrism will run from the 8 July to 22 August at the Court House Building at Cairns Art Gallery.

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair is held annually on Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Country. This year's program will run from Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 July.

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